Method for treating neurodegenerative diseases

ABSTRACT

A method for treating neurodegenerative diseases including the step of administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/867,626, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Sep. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,827, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/519,510, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Oct. 21, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,667, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/952,236, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Jul. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,865,772, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/676,093, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Jul. 26, 2012—which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including all references cited therein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to compositions and methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases in humans and other mammalian vertebrates, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for treating, for example, amyloid-related diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etcetera.

2. Background Art

By way of background, amyloidosis is a general term that describes a number of diseases characterized by extracellular deposition of protein fibrils, which form numerous “amyloid deposits,” which may occur in localized sites or systemically. The fibrillar composition of these deposits is an identifying characteristic for the various forms of amyloid disease. For example, intracerebral and cerebrovascular deposits composed primarily of fibrils of beta amyloid peptide (β-AP) are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (both familial and sporadic forms), islet amyloid protein peptide (IAPP; amylin) is characteristic of the fibrils in pancreatic islet cell amyloid deposits associated with type II diabetes, and β2-microglobulin is a major component of amyloid deposits which form as a consequence of long term hemodialysis treatment. More recently, prion-associated diseases, such as Creutzfeld-Jacob disease, have also been recognized as amyloid diseases.

The various forms of disease have been divided into classes, mostly on the basis of whether or not the amyloidosis is associated with an underlying systemic illness. Thus, certain disorders are considered to be primary amyloidoses, in which there is no evidence for preexisting or coexisting disease. In general, primary amyloidoses of the disease are characterized by the presence of “amyloid light chain-type” (AL-type) protein fibrils, so named for the homology of the N-terminal region of the AL fibrils to the variable fragment of immunoglobulin light chain (kappa or lambda).

Secondary or “reactive” amyloidosis is characterized by deposition of AA type fibrils derived from serum amyloid A protein (ApoSSA). These forms of amyloidosis are typically characterized by an underlying chronic inflammatory or infectious disease state (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, leprosy, etcetera).

Heredofamilial amyloidoses may have associated neuropathic, renal, or cardiovascular deposits of the ATTR transthyretin type. Other heredofamilial amyloidoses include other syndromes and may have different amyloid components (e.g., familial Mediterranean fever which is characterized by AA fibrils). Other forms of amyloidosis include local forms, characterized by focal, often tumor-like deposits that occur in isolated organs. Other amyloidoses are associated with aging, and are commonly characterized by plaque formation in the heart or brain. Also common are amyloid deposits associated with long term hemodialysis. These and other forms of amyloid disease are summarized in Histopathology 25:403-414, Tan, S. Y. and Pepys, 1994, and Harrison's Handbook of Internal Medicine, 13th Ed., Isselbacher, K. J., et al, eds, McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, 1995.

Often, fibrils forming the bulk of an amyloid deposit are derived from one or more primary precursor proteins or peptides, and are usually associated with sulfated glycosaminoglycans. In addition, amyloid deposits may include minor proteins and peptides of various types, along with 30 other components, such as proteoglycans, gangliosides and other sugars.

Currently, there are no specific, commercially available treatments for the above-identified neurodegenerative diseases. However, the open literature is replete with patents and publications on this topic, including: U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,686 entitled “Active Immunization for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,434 entitled “Method of Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,248 entitled “Prevention and Treatment of Degenerative Diseases by Glutathione and Phase II Detoxification Enzymes,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,421 entitled “Methods for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer's Disease,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,221 entitled “Method for Treating Alzheimer's Disease with Folic Acid,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,220 entitled “Therapeutic Method for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,284 entitled “Method for Treating Alzheimer's Disease Using Glial Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) Protein Product,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,170 entitled “Method for Treating Neurocognitive Disorders,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,829 entitled “Polypeptide Marker for Alzheimer's Disease and Its Use for Diagnosis,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,318 entitled “Method of Treating Alzheimer's Disease,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,365 entitled “Method of Treating Alzheimer's Disease,” and United States Patent Publication Number 2006/0116423 A1 entitled “Methods and Compositions for Treatment of Central Nervous System Injury with Isothiocyanates,”—all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including the references cited therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,686 appears to disclose agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of Aβ in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the amyloid deposit. The methods are disclosed as useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preferred agents including N-terminal fragments of Aβ and antibodies binding to the same.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,434 appears to disclose pharmaceutical compositions and methods for preventing or treating a number of amyloid diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, familial amyloid neuropathies and the like. The pharmaceutical compositions include immunologically reactive amounts of amyloid fibril components, particularly fibril-forming peptides or proteins. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions and methods which use immune reagents that react with such fibril components.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,248 appears to disclose treating degenerative disease by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound that elevates glutathione or at least one Phase II detoxification enzyme in diseased tissue. The chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,421 appears to disclose a method for treating Alzheimer's disease or preventing or delaying its onset in individuals deemed by competent observation and testing to be susceptible thereto. A non-estrogenic, non-androgenic, non-anabolic agent is administered to reduce or eliminate blood serum levels of one or both of FSH and LH.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,221 appears to disclose a method for treating occlusive vascular disease or Alzheimer's disease, wherein the patient has at least moderately elevated blood levels of homocysteine and at least moderately reduced blood levels of folate and vitamin B12. The patient is treated with folic acid, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

a folate or a derivative thereof, and optionally vitamin B12, and optionally an organic nitrate such as isosorbide mononitrate or dinitrate, or an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II antagonist, or a NEP/ACE inhibitor or a combination of two or more of the above.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,220 appears to disclose a method and apparatus for treating Alzheimer's disease. The method comprises delivering indomethacin, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action directly to the hippocampus or the lateral ventricle through an implanted catheter. The catheter has a flexible distal end that is implanted directly in the hippocampus or lateral ventricle as the preferred embodiment. The distal end has either a porous tip or a closed end. Where the distal end is closed, or a plurality of elution holes are present indomethacin is delivered to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle through either the porous tip or the elution holes. The catheter is part of a system for delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle that includes a pump coupled to the catheter for delivering the indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action through the catheter to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,284 appears to disclose methods for treating injury or degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating Alzheimer's disease.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,170 appears to disclose a method for treating a central nervous system or peripheral nervous system cholinergic deficit state in a mammalian organism in need of such treatment. The method includes the step of administering to the mammal an amount of thalidomide effective in the treatment of a cholinergic deficit state and for a time sufficient to achieve a suitable blood level to treat said cholinergic deficit state.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,829 appears to disclose Alzheimer's Amyloid Polypeptide (AAP) in substantially purified form which is isolated from amyloid deposits in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The polypeptide has the following amino acid sequence: H₂N-ASP-ALA-GLU-PHE-ARG-HIS-ASP-SER-GLY-TYR-GLN-VAL-HIS-HIS-GLN-LYS-LEU-VAL-PHE-PHE-ALA-GLU-ASP-VAL-GLY-SER-ASN-LYS-COOH. The polypeptide, or fragments thereof, may be used to produce antibodies useful in a diagnostic test for Alzheimer's Disease. Nucleotide probes corresponding to portions of the polypeptide are also useful for diagnostic purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,318 appears to disclose that Alzheimer's disease may be treated with galanthamine, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,365 appears to disclose a method of treating Alzheimer's disease that comprises administering to a person requiring such treatment, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of deferoxamine USAN, the chemical structure of which is provided below.

Such salts are preferably administered parenterally in the form of aqueous solutions. The dosage of suitable acid addition salts of deferoxamine, (e.g., of the mesylate) is conveniently from about 0.2 to 5 g daily, preferably from about 0.2 to 1.5 g and in particular about 0.5 to about 1.0 g daily, especially twice daily 0.5 g, depending on the individual condition of the patient and the stage of the disease.

United States Patent Publication Number 2006/0116423A1 appears to disclose methods and compositions comprising isothiocyanates or derivatives or metabolites thereof, for attenuating or preventing central nervous system tissue damage, and/or improving cognitive function. Treatment of head trauma, spinal cord injury, stroke, aging, neurological diseases, and other insults to the central nervous system that compromise the blood-brain barrier, cause brain swelling, central nervous system cell death, or cognitive or motor dysfunction, by administering an isothiocyanate such as sulforaphane, allyl isothiocyanate, phenylethyl isothiocyanate, or a related compound, is also disclosed.

While the above-identified references, as disclosed hereinabove, appear to provide at least some treatment to those with a neurodegenerative disease, such treatment remains non-desirous and/or problematic inasmuch as, among other things, none of the above-identified treatments provide sufficient results from the debilitating effects of neurodegenerative disease. As such, there remains a genuine demand for non-invasive, substantially non-invasive and/or invasive medical treatments that are effective and that remedy the detriments and/or complications associated with the above-identified remedies.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new, useful, and nonobvious method for treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyloid-related diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etcetera.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease (e.g., an amyloid-related disease, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etcetera) comprising the step of: administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the method for treating a neurodegenerative disease further comprises the step of removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant from the area affected by the neurodegenerative disease after a period of time.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the steps of: (a) administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to an area affected by the a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant; (b) removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant from the area affected by the neurodegenerative disease after a period of time; and (c) repeating the steps of administering and removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant to/from the affected area.

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: associating an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease with an isothiocyanate functional surfactant, wherein the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a lysine derivative to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen, and wherein an alkyl and/or alkanoyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen, and further wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

The present invention is still further directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ⁺, wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, and/or OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease as disclosed supra, further comprising the step of administering an additional surfactant, wherein the additional surfactant is selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and/or described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

In accordance with the present invention, surprisingly effective methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases are provided herein. In particular, these methods include treating a plurality of types of neurodegenerative diseases, such as, but not limited to, amyloid-related diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's disease—just to name a few.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the steps of administering one or more isothiocyanate functional surfactants to an area affected by the neurodegenerative disease. Preferably, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises one or more isothiocyanate functional groups associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant. It will be understood that an area affected by the neurodegenerative disease may comprise areas proximate and/or contiguous to areas where amyloid deposits are present and/or other neurodegenerative disease type markers are present. It will be further understood that isothiocyanate functional surfactants, regardless of their ordinary meaning, are defined herein as a surfactant having an isothiocyanate functional group associated therewith. It will be yet further understood that the term associated as used herein in chemical context, regardless of its ordinary meaning, is defined herein as attached, a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, van der Waals forces, electrostatic interaction, directly and/or indirectly linked, etcetera.

The term surfactant derives from contraction of the terms surface-active-agent and is defined herein as a molecule and/or group of molecules which are able to modify the interfacial properties of the liquids (aqueous and non-aqueous) in which they are present. The surfactant properties of these molecules reside in their amphiphilic character which stems from the fact that each surfactant molecule has both a hydrophilic moiety and a hydrophobic (or lipophilic) moiety, and that the extent of each of these moieties is balanced so that at concentrations at or below the critical micelle concentration (i.e., CMC) they generally concentrate at the air-liquid interface and materially decrease the interfacial tension. For example, sodium salts of saturated carboxylic acids are extremely soluble in water up to C8 length and are thus not true surfactants. They become less soluble in water from C9 up to C18 length, the domain of effective surfactants for this class of compounds. The carboxylic acids (fatty acids) can be either saturated or unsaturated starting from C16 chain lengths.

Without being bound by any one particular theory, it is believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate treatment of numerous forms of neurodegenerative disease by boosting the body's immune system. It is also believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate elevating phase II enzymes (e.g., HAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase) which are believed to, among other things regulate inflammatory responses within the body.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants may be used as an administered leave-on/leave-in product in which one or more surfactants remain on/in the human body (e.g., the skin, the brain, the circulatory system, etcetera) and are not immediately and/or ever removed. Alternatively, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants of the present invention may be used in an administer and remove fashion. For either case, it is preferred that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants be generally mild to the human body (e.g., non-irritating or low-irritating). In particular, anionic N-alkanoyl surfactants derived from amino acids are especially preferred because, while not completely predictable, they have a tendency to be mild. The methods of preparation detailed in this invention employ, but are not limited to, amino acids that possess at least two amine functionalities, at least one of which is converted to an N-alkanoyl functionality, and at least one of which is converted into isothiocyanate functionality. The amino acids include, but are not limited to, the α-amino acids lysine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid, 2,3-diaminoproprionic acid, 2,7-diaminoheptanoic acid, and 2,8-diaminooctanoic acid. Additionally, amino acids other than α-amino acids may be employed, such as β-amino acids, etcetera. It will be understood that amino acid derived surfactants are preferred due to their mild nature, but any one of a number of other surfactants are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention.

Methods for preparing isothiocyanate functional surfactants and/or their precursors can involve, but are not limited to, conversion of an amine functionality to an isothiocyanate functionality. The methods of conversion of amine functionalities to isothiocyanate functionalities include, but are not limited to: (1) reaction with carbon disulfide to yield an intermediate dithiocarbamate, followed by reaction with ethylchloroformate or its functional equivalent such as bis(trichloromethyl)-carbonate, trichloromethyl chloroformate, or phosgene; (2) reaction with thiophosgene; (3) reaction with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidizole; (4) reaction with phenylthiochloroformate; (5) reaction with ammonium or alkali metal thiocyanate to prepare an intermediate thiourea followed by cleaving to the isothiocyanate via heating; and (6) reaction with an isothiocyanato acyl halide [SCN—(CH₂)_(n)—CO—Cl]. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated as a pure material or as a mixture with other surfactants. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated and used directly in nonionic form, anionic form, cationic form, zwitterionic (amphoteric) form, and/or in a neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with a base such as sodium hydroxide or triethanol amine if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possesses a protonated carboxylic acid group such that reaction (deprotonation) with the base converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to an anionic surfactant, or in neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with an acid if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possess amine functionality such that reaction (protonation) with the acid converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to a cationic surfactant.

In accordance with the present invention the step of administering comprises, but is not limited to, systemic administration, local injection, regional injection, spraying, dripping, dabbing, rubbing, blotting, dipping, and any combination thereof.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is removed from the affected area after a period of time. Such a period comprises, but is not limited to, seconds (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds), minutes (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes), hours (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, and 60 hours), days (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 30 days), etcetera. It will be understood that the step of removing preferably occurs via purging, rinsing, wiping, and/or extracting—just to name a few.

Depending upon the subject and/or the severity of the neurodegenerative disease, multiple administrations may be necessary. As such, the steps of administering and/or removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may be repeated one or a plurality of times.

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the steps of associating (using any known medical technique) a lysine derivative to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen. Preferably, an alkyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen. Preferably, at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the steps of: administering a surfactant to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

and wherein the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

The present invention is yet further directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease, comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

In this embodiment, the surfactant is preferably represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

More preferably, the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a neurodegenerative disease comprising the step of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ⁺, wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, and/or OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may also be associated with one or more additional surfactants, wherein the additional surfactants are selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of preferred anionic surfactants include taurates; isethionates; alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates; succinamates; alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates; olefin sulfonates; alkoxy alkane sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids derived from natural plant or animal sources or synthetically prepared; sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkylated ammonium salts of alkylated and acylated amino acids and peptides; alkylated sulfoacetates; alkylated sulfosuccinates; acylglyceride sulfonates, alkoxyether sulfonates; phosphoric acid esters; phospholipids; and combinations thereof. Specific anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium cetyl phosphate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactants include alkylated quaternary ammonium salts R₄NX; alkylated amino-amides (RCONH—(CH₂)_(n))NR₃X; alkylimidazolines; alkoxylated amines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetyl ammonium chloride, cetyl ammonium bromide, lauryl ammonium chloride, lauryl ammonium bromide, stearyl ammonium chloride, stearyl ammonium bromide, cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl cetyl ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium bromide, distearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium bromide, dicetyl methyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl methyl ammonium bromide, dilauryl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium bromide, ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow dimethyl ammonium sulfate, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium bromide, tallow ammonium chloride, coconut ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl PG-imonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearimidopropyldimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl cetearyl ammonium tosylate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate, ditallowyl oxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, behenamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride, dilauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearly dimethyl ammonium chloride, dimyristyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dipalmityl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidoproyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldiammonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearimidopropyl diemthyl cetaryl ammonium tosylate, stearamido propyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred non-ionic surfactants include alcohols, alkanolamides, amine oxides, esters (including glycerides, ethoxylated glycerides, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, carbohydrate esters, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, phosphoric acid triesters), ethers (including ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl glucosides, ethoxylated polypropylene oxide ethers, alkylated polyethylene oxides, alkylated polypropylene oxides, alkylated PEG/PPO copolymers), silicone copolyols. Specific examples of non-ionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, nonoxynol-9, C12-15 pareth-9, POE(4) lauryl ether, cocamide DEA, glycol distearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, sorbitan stearate, PEG-8 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 trilaurate, lauryl glucoside, octylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanol, PEG-4 laurate, polyglyceryl diisostearate, polysorbate-60, PEG-200 isostearyl palmitate, sorbitan monooleate, polysorbate-80.

Non-limiting examples of preferred zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants include betaines; sultaines; hydroxysultaines, amido betaines, amidosulfo betaines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cocoamidopropyl sultaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sultaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine, coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, lauryl (2-bishydroxy) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oelyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha carboxymethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine.

In further accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may optionally be incorporated into a formulation comprising one or more solvents. Preferably, the solvent comprises a hydrocarbon and/or silicone oil that is generally non-hygroscopic and/or generally hydrophobic. Suitable examples, include, silicone based solvents and/or fluids, mineral oil, vegetable oils, squalene (i.e., 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane)—just to name a few.

The invention is further described by the following examples.

EXAMPLE I Preparation of a mixture of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine with N_(α),N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine

A 1 liter beaker equipped with an overhead mechanical stainless steel paddle stirrer was charged with 100 mL of 1 M NaOH (0.100 mol). Stirring was begun and the beaker cooled to −5° C. to −10° C. using a salt/ice bath. Next, 23.4 g (0.100 mol) of N_(ε)-benzylidene-L-lysine (prepared via the method of Bezas, B and Zervas, L., JACS, 83, 1961, 719-722) was added. Immediately afterward and while keeping the solution cold, 140 mL (0.140 mol) of precooled (in a salt/ice bath) 1 M NaOH and 26.1 mL of lauroyl chloride was added in two equal portions over a period of 6 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 10 more minutes at −5 to −10° C., then the ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for another 1 hour while warming to room temperature. Next, the reaction mixture was cooled using a salt/ice bath and then sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 7.5-7.8. With the pH at 7.8-7.8 and with continued cooling and stirring, 4.6 mL (60% of stoichiometric, 0.068 mol) of thiophosgene was added drop-wise via an additional funnel over the period of 1 hour. During this time, sufficient 1 M NaOH was added to maintain a pH range between 7.5-7.8. After the thiophosgene addition was complete, additional 1 M NaOH was added as necessary until the pH stabilized in 7.5-7.8 range. Next, sufficient 30% NaOH was added to adjust the pH to approximately 8.5. Next, 12 mL (0.051 mol) of lauroyl chloride was rapidly added, followed by sufficient 1 M NaOH to keep the pH in the range of 8.00-8.50. Next, sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 1.5. The reaction mixture was filtered via vacuum filtration, and the precipitate washed with dilute HCl (pH=2). The product, a white moist solid, was dried in vacuo while heating to 60° C. 45.19 g of white solid product was recovered, a mixture of predominantly N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-lysine and N_(α),N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine (determined via LC-MS analysis). Both compounds in this mixture can be simultaneously converted into anionic (carboxylate) surfactants via reaction with aqueous NaOH to yield a clear aqueous solution of the surfactants.

EXAMPLE II Preparation of Pure N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine Step 1: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine

60.0 g of N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine (cbz is carbobenzoxy) purchased from Atomole Scientific Company, LTD was added to a three-liter beaker along with 1200 mL of RO water and the mixture was stirred. Next, 39 mL of 30% aqueous NaOH was added, resulting in dissolution of the N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice bath and then 52.5 mL of lauroyl chloride was added. The ice bath was removed 30 minutes later, and stirring continued for an additional six hours, at which time 18 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added. The reaction mixture was then filtered via vacuum filtration, the white solid product washed with 1 M aqueous HCl, and then the solid product was dried in vacuo while heated to approximately 85° C. 96.5 g of dry white solid product was obtained. The product can be further purified by dissolving it in methanol, filtering off any insoluble precipitate, and removing the methanol in vacuo to recover a white solid product (mp 99.5-103.0° C.)

Step 2: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine

10.0 g of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine was weighed into a one liter Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 150 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added and the solution was stirred and heated in an oil bath to 104° C., then allowed to cool with the oil bath back to room temperature. The solution was then cooled to 9° C. for approximately four hours, during which time a large mass of white precipitate formed. The reaction mixture was filtered in vacuo and rinsed with a small amount of cold 1 M HCl. The white solid reaction product was then dried in vacuo while being heated to 78° C., yielding 7.89 g of white solid product (mp 191-193° C.).

Step 3: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine

0.46 mL of thiophosgene was added to 30 mL of dichloromethane in a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. To this solution was drop wise added over 15 minutes a solution consisting of 2.00 g N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine, 10 mL RO water, and 2.7 mL 20% aqueous NaOH. Stirring was continued for an additional 30 minutes, after which sufficient concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to lower the pH to 1 as indicated by testing with pHydrion paper. The reaction solution was then transferred into a separatory funnel and the bottom turbid dichloromethane layer was isolated and dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and gravity filtered. To the filtrate was added 50 mL of hexanes. The solution was then concentrated via removal of 34 mL of solvent via trap-to-trap distillation and then placed in a −19° C. freezer. A mass of white precipitate formed after a few hours and was isolated via vacuum filtration and then dried in vacuo for 2 hours. 1.130 g of a slightly off white solid powder product was obtained [mp 37.0-39.0° C.; IR (cm⁻¹), 3301 sb, 2923 s, 2852 s, 2184 m, 2099 s, 1721 s, 1650 s, 1531 s, 1456 m, 1416 w, 1347 m, 1216 m, 1136 w].

The oils and/or solvents employed hereinabove are provided for the purposes of illustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. As such, the oils may be liquid, solid, or gel, and may be synthetic or of natural origin and include but are not limited to waxes, esters, lipids, fats, glycerides, cyclic silicones, linear silicones, crosslinked silicones, alkylsilicones, silicone copolyols, alkylated silicone copolyols, and/or hydrocarbons, and/or ethoxylated versions of all of these.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A method for treating a neurodegenerative disease, comprising the step(s) of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).
 2. A method for treating a neurodegenerative disease, comprising the step(s) of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately
 25. 3. A method for treating a neurodegenerative disease, comprising the step(s) of: administering a surfactant or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an area affected by a neurodegenerative disease, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:


4. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 1, further comprising the step of administering an additional surfactant, wherein the additional surfactant is selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.
 5. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 1, wherein the neurodegenerative disease is selected from at least one of the group comprising an amyloid-related disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
 6. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 2, further comprising the step of administering an additional surfactant, wherein the additional surfactant is selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.
 7. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 2, wherein the neurodegenerative disease is selected from at least one of the group comprising an amyloid-related disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
 8. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 3, further comprising the step of administering an additional surfactant, wherein the additional surfactant is selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.
 9. The method for treating the neurodegenerative disease according to claim 3, wherein the neurodegenerative disease is selected from at least one of the group comprising an amyloid-related disease, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. 